Public holidays

Constitution Day (3rd May) – on this day in 1791 Poland proclaimed its modern codified constitution. It is often marked with parades and other public displays of celebration.

National Independence Day (11th November) – on this day in 1918 Poland regained independence after 123 years of partition

RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS:

Easter (a non-fixed holiday, celebrated in March or April) – one of the most important public holidays in Poland, which is full of traditions. People paint, decorate eggs that they take in the Easter basket to church on Holy Saturday. Many traditional dishes are prepared. On Easter Monday (Polish name: lany poniedziałek) people pour each other.

Corpus Christi – celebrated 60 days after Easter (mostly in June). The day when religious processions are organized across Poland, led by children dressed in white who scatter flower petals on the streets

All Saints’ Day (1st November) – on this day people go to cemeteries to light candles and pray for those who have passed away.

Christmas (24th -26th December) – It is the most important Christian holiday which is celebrated between

Christmas Eve (Wigilia – 24th December), an evening preceding Christmas Day, is traditionally celebrated with a festive Christmas supper. It’s a very special occasion, when families prepare 12 types of meatless dishes – one for each of the 12 apostles. On this day Christmas tree is also decorated so that Santa Claus can bring Christmas gifts. At midnight a special mass is held in every church, when people pray in celebration of the newly born savior.

The second day of Christmas, December 26th, is celebrated visiting family members and participating in masses. After Christmas, the next big holiday is New Year’s Day.